BTTH: From Genius to Invincible

Word Count: 2,752 Words

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"By the way, Sister Ya Fei, when does the auction begin? The Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva is very important to me." After eating and drinking to his heart's content, Xiao Yan turned to Ya Fei, who was sitting at the same table, and asked.

Little Fairy Doctor's expression also turned serious. This Poison Pill Method could at the very least eliminate her current risk of a poison outbreak.

"There's still some time before the auction at the Black Emperor Pavilion. However, I heard that the Black Emperor Sect intends to exchange the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva through bartering, primarily for medicinal pills," Ya Fei said with a shrug. For items above the Dou Emperor realm, exchanges often took the form of bartering, and gold coins lost much of their utility.

"Using medicinal pills for exchange is reasonable. Do you know what price they have in mind?" Xiao Yan asked. If they wanted a peak tier 7 medicinal pill, he would need to prepare properly. If they requested a tier 8 pill, then he would also need to prepare—prepare to simply snatch it.

Ya Fei thought for a moment before replying, "The Black Emperor Sect's Leader, Mo Tianxing, has a son who's about to break through to the Dou Ancestor realm. I estimate a Zong Breaking Pill or a low-grade tier 7 pill would suffice."

Exchanging with Qi Methods, Dou Techniques, or some rare treasures was also possible, but more often than not, medicinal pills were used for barter.

Gold coins weren't completely useless, though. With Ya Fei's methods and the resources of the Miteer Auction House, she could use gold coins to purchase items and then gradually trade up, exchanging several tier 4 pills for tier 5 ones, and so on.

"Is it possible to trade directly with the Black Emperor Sect in advance?" Xiao Yan asked after musing for a moment.

He didn't mind offering a higher price. With his current status, he could afford to buy the entire Black Emperor Sect outright. After all, they were merely a faction with a single Dou Ancestor.

Ya Fei regretfully shook her head. "I asked, but they refused. This auction is also a chance for the Black Emperor Sect to build its reputation. They intend to use the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva to gain momentum."

"Currently in the Black-Corner Region, Demon Flame Valley's 7-star Dou Ancestor Old Ground Demon Ghost is the strongest. Our Xiao City is the most prosperous, while Black Emperor City, controlled by the Black Emperor Sect, ranks last among the three major cities. They urgently need a sensational auction to attract talent and capital."

As the 'Midas touch' of the Yan Alliance, Ya Fei had a clear understanding of the current situation in the Black-Corner Region.

Presently, backed by Jia Nan Academy and the Yan Alliance, Xiao City was leading the pack with a significant advantage.

"Oh? There's actually a 7-star Dou Ancestor in the Black-Corner Region!" This surprised Xiao Yan somewhat. He had read the Black Ranking of the Black-Corner Region before; the strongest were only the Gold Silver Elders, followed by Han Feng.

Although he had guessed there must be Dou Ancestors in the Black-Corner Region, he hadn't expected one to be as powerful as a 7-star Dou Ancestor.

"Mm, that Black Ranking was really just something people like Han Feng used to glorify themselves. Many former Black Ranking experts withdraw from public view after reaching the Dou Ancestor realm. That Old Ground Demon Ghost has been famous for many years," Xiao Yu explained slowly.

Xiao Mei suddenly raised her hand and said indignantly, "Cousin Xiao Yan, a year ago, Demon Flame Valley sent forces to attack Xiao City."

"Hmm?!" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. He turned to Xiao Yu and asked, "Is this true?"

After all, he knew Xiao Mei's character well.

Xiao Yu rolled her eyes at Xiao Mei in annoyance. This little tattletale was going to cost Demon Flame Valley dearly.

It was just that an expert from Demon Flame Valley had injured her, and she'd held a grudge until now!

Xiao Yu nodded reluctantly and said, "It happened about three months after you disappeared. Demon Flame Valley deliberately sent experts to cause trouble, probably to test whether you had truly vanished, and they created disturbances in Xiao City."

"Fortunately, Old Yin Gu and the other two Dou Emperors intervened, so nothing too serious happened."

"But three months later, Demon Flame Valley claimed that a secret technique had gone missing from their valley. They brought several Dou Emperor elders and over a dozen Dou Kings. In that battle, Old Yin Gu, Wu Tie, and Su Mei were all seriously injured. Xiao Mei and Xiao Ning were also wounded by their experts. Luckily, Jia Nan Academy's First Elder arrived in time to quell the conflict. The Xiao Clan suffered no casualties, so we didn't plan to tell you since it wasn't a big deal."

At this point, Xiao Ning stood up angrily and said, "What do you mean it wasn't a big deal, Sister? You were injured the most severely. If the First Elder hadn't arrived in time, you might have—"

Xiao Yu silenced him with a glare, and he quickly shut his mouth.

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow. In a deep voice, he asked, "You were injured?"

Xiao Yu pursed her lips, glanced at Xiao Yan, and said, "I recovered long ago."

At this moment, every Xiao Clan member in the courtyard put down their chopsticks. Those who had lived with Xiao Yan in Wu Tan City knew that their Little Clan Leader was the most protective of his own. Xiao Mei's little tattling at the dinner table might lead to earth-shaking changes throughout the entire Black-Corner Region.

Xiao Yan turned to Ya Fei and asked, "Sister Ya Fei, do we have enough time before the auction?"

Ya Fei smiled as she looked at the man before her, knowing what he intended. She said, "Don't worry, there's enough time for you to take a trip to Demon Flame City."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately broke into a broad grin. He stood up abruptly, waved his hand grandly, and declared, "Brothers and sisters of the Xiao Clan, your Little Clan Leader will lead you to settle the score!"

"Ooh ooh ooh!"

"Little Clan Leader is mighty!"

In an instant, the Xiao Clan members who had suppressed their anger for a year erupted in cheers. When Xiao Yan had disappeared, they could only swallow their grievances. Now that he was back, why the hell would they hold back any longer!

Thirty years east, thirty years west! Don't bully the Xiao Clan when Xiao Yan isn't around!

Xiao Mei lifted her head proudly. Never underestimate a woman's vengeful heart!

Xiao Yu murmured softly, "That Old Ground Demon Ghost is a 7-star Dou Ancestor. What if we provoke him..."

Xiao Ning chimed in, "Sister, don't worry! Old Ground Demon Ghost often goes into secluded cultivation. As long as we don't attack Demon Flame Valley itself, he won't come out."

Xiao Yan smiled and glanced at Little Fairy Doctor, who had been sitting quietly beside him. "Don't worry. If that Old Ground Demon Ghost doesn't show up, that's his good fortune. If he's foolish enough to come out on his own, then it's his misfortune."

"Yin Gu, Wu Tie, Su Mei!" Xiao Yan called out in a deep voice.

The three Dou Emperors, who had been waiting outside the courtyard, instantly appeared and said in unison, "Grandmaster Xiao Yan."

Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back and said, "Gather your people. Tomorrow morning, accompany me to Demon Flame City."

"Understood!"

"Furthermore, you three have performed well. Now that I've returned, I will refine Zong Breaking Pills for each of you." Since Xiao Yan needed to refine Zong Breaking Pills for trading anyway, he might as well do it all at once. Such small matters were easily forgotten.

The three of them immediately lit up upon hearing this. They bowed deeply to Xiao Yan and gratefully said, "Thank you, Grandmaster Xiao Yan!"

Having overheard the earlier conversation, they were clever enough to turn and thank Xiao Yu. "Thank you, Instructor Xiao Yu, for putting in a good word for us."

Xiao Yu's cheeks flushed. I'm not the one refining pills for you; why are you thanking me?! She had merely told the truth!

…

The next morning, many people in Xiao City saw huge flying magical beasts soaring from the Xiao Clan's courtyard. With Xiao City's current financial and material resources, owning a fleet of flying magical beasts was hardly an issue.

"Wow, so many flying magical beasts!"

"What is the Xiao Clan planning? Why are they dispatching so many flying beasts?"

"Wait, look! Aren't those flying magical beasts heading toward Demon Flame City?"

Some sharp-eyed individuals noticed something amiss. The flying magical beasts were indeed heading toward Demon Flame City, the very place that had once attacked Xiao City!

A single word flashed through everyone's minds in that moment: 'Revenge'!

This was the Xiao Clan's retaliation for Demon Flame Valley's attack on Xiao City months ago! They were going to pay them back in kind!

"I heard that Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance returned over three months ago and even defeated the Sky Serpent Mansion. He's now the undisputed overlord of the North-Western Region."

"Holy crap! Are you saying Xiao Yan has come to Xiao City?"

"Most likely. Otherwise, how would the Xiao Clan have the confidence to challenge Demon Flame Valley, even with Jia Nan Academy's backing?"

"Incredible! We're already getting such a spectacle, and the Black Emperor Pavilion's auction hasn't even started!"

"Let's go and watch!"

Overnight, Old Yin Gu's Dark Sky Sect, Wu Tie's Mad Lion Gang, and Su Mei's Luo Sha Gate all gathered their elite forces. They formed a group of over a thousand cultivators at the Dou Grandmaster realm and above, together with the Xiao Clan members, and marched toward Demon Flame City in grand fashion.

Seeing the mighty mobilization from Xiao City, along with the previous incident months ago, the entire Black-Corner Region buzzed with excitement. Many spectators and various factions watched eagerly, and some even secretly gathered their forces, hoping to profit from the conflict and play the role of the 'oriole behind'.

Both Xiao City and Demon Flame City were among the top three major cities in the Black-Corner Region and had long been coveted treasure troves. Now that Xiao City was launching an attack on Demon Flame City, many factions hoped to get a piece of the pie if both sides suffered heavy losses.

The factions closer to Xiao City especially secretly hoped that Xiao City would suffer a crushing defeat.

Xiao City had become far too enviable. Too many alchemists had gathered there, and these alchemists were absolute treasures. Most of the medicinal pills they refined were sold through the Miteer Auction House, and the profit share from these sales were astronomical.

Even the factions of Old Yin Gu and the others had become wealthy to the point of overflowing. If Xiao City were to lose this war, these onlookers would have a chance to carve it up. If Demon Flame City were defeated, it would signify the decline of Demon Flame Valley, freeing up more territory for others to claim.

"People of Demon Flame City, listen up! Hand over the main culprits who invaded Xiao City! Lay down your weapons! Compensate Xiao City for all losses! Only then will you be spared! Otherwise, we shall utterly annihilate your entire Demon Flame City!" As the Xiao Clan's strongest general besides Xiao Yan, Xiao Ning naturally took on the role of war crier.

Xiao Yan stood calmly atop the Amethyst Winged Lion King, who had returned to his original form. His expression remained as tranquil as an ancient well.

The Little Clan Leader was personally leading the expedition!

"Is that Xiao Yan?" In the City Lord's mansion of Demon Flame City, a red-haired old man narrowed his eyes upon hearing the challenge. This was Fang Yan, the First Elder of Demon Flame Valley.

"It's him. I recognize him!" The Second Elder of Demon Flame Valley nodded beside him.

On the other side, the Third Elder's teeth were chattering in fear. He said in horror, "Over a year ago, that Xiao Yan seemed capable of killing Elder Gu Tong, who was a Dou Ancestor! Shouldn't we request the Old Ancestor's help?"

Although the Old Ground Demon Ghost of Demon Flame Valley had reached the strength of a 7-star Dou Ancestor, there were no other Dou Ancestors besides him. The strongest besides him was First Elder Fang Yan.

Learning that Xiao Yan had personally led a thousand-man army to their doorstep, the people of Demon Flame City was thrown into panic. The elders of Demon Flame Valley turned pale with fright.

Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance had a fearsome reputation. Even if the other faction leaders of the Yan Alliance were absent and Medusa was not present, the Old Ground Demon Ghost was in seclusion and couldn't come out!

At this moment, a black-robed man slowly walked out and asked in a deep voice, "What's causing all this commotion?"

First Elder Fang Yan brightened upon seeing the black-robed figure. He bowed respectfully and said with excitement, "Sir, we may need your assistance this time. An opposing faction has also set their sights on the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva."

"They've likely come to prevent us from obtaining it."

"The Hall Chief has instructed that we must acquire the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva at all costs. Anyone who dares to obstruct us shall be killed!" A pair of chilling eyes slowly emerged from beneath the black robe, and a bone-chilling voice echoed through the room, causing everyone to shiver.

"Rest assured, Sir. Our Demon Flame Valley will spare no expense to obtain the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva for you as long as we can deal with this Xiao Yan," Fang Yan said solemnly.

"Mm... Hmm? Who did you say?" The black-robed man's body involuntarily trembled, as if he had heard a troublesome name.

"Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance," Fang Yan repeated.

Upon hearing the name 'Xiao Yan,' Protector Xuan felt as if his head was about to explode.

Damn it! Venerable Yan!

Han Feng had once invited him to deal with Xiao Yan, only to discover that Xiao Yan was also from the Hall of Souls and even possessed a Soul Command Token. As such, he had immediately switched sides!

Later, after extensive inquiries, he learned that in a new Hall of Souls branch at the Misty Cloud Sect, there was an Honorable Elder who had joined the Hall of Souls through his alchemy skills and had gained the favor of the Pill Saint of the Hall of Souls. His title was 'Yan'!

Not many people knew Xiao Yan's true identity, but because of the incident with Han Feng, Protector Xuan was among the few who knew that Xiao Yan was Venerable Yan!

Protector Xuan, worthy of being an Earth Grade Protector like Protector Wu, quickly calmed down. He asked in a steady voice, "You said that the Yan Alliance is also after the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva? What's the story there?"

Fang Yan was momentarily baffled. Why is he asking about this? But he didn't dare to question Protector Xuan.

Protector Xuan had approached them voluntarily and asked for their help in bidding for the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva. He could assist them in dealing with opposing factions in exchange.

"We learned through extensive inquiries that Ya Fei of the Yan Alliance had tried to privately negotiate with the Black Emperor Sect to purchase the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva directly, but they refused. Xiao Yan must want the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva to obtain the Bodhisattva Heart," Fang Yan explained.

'Fuck!' Protector Xuan felt panic rising within him. He had received orders from the Hall Chief to personally secure the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva in the Black-Corner Region.

But he didn't know that Xiao Yan was also after that thing!

After all, although the Hall Chief led the Hall of Souls, he couldn't command Xiao Yan because the latter was an alchemist belonging to Hun Huzi's faction.

Protector Xuan himself didn't know the relationship between the Hall Chief and Hun Huzi. What if they were at odds? Wouldn't he be caught in the middle as cannon fodder!

"Damn it, why am I always so unlucky!"